Quarterback Tommy Castellanos joins Texas Tech after court grants fifth year of eligibility

Tommy Castellanos, a well-traveled quarterback who began his collegiate career at UCF in 2022, confirmed his commitment to Texas Tech, the current No. 12 team in the nation. The move follows a Kentucky court order last Friday that granted him a fifth season of eligibility, aligning with the NCAA’s June rule change that permits five years of play for athletes who entered college in 2023 or later. After going undrafted and participating in a receiver tryout with the Miami Dolphins, Castellanos transferred from Florida State, where he posted a 58.3% completion rate last season.

At Texas Tech, he will vie for the starting job with Will Hammond, who is returning from an ACL injury, while the previously expected starter Brendan Sorsby remains sidelined due to a gambling investigation. The Red Raiders open their season at home against Abilene Christian on Sept. 5.